Do not take peace for granted, Zambians told

ZAMBIANS should not take peace for granted that the country has enjoyed since independence but uphold it and draw lessons from the civil war in Somalia which has resulted in a lot of miseries, a Zambian peace keeper in Somalia, Alex Mufuzi has advised.

Mr Mufuzi is an assistant superintendent and one of the leaders assigned under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to help the Somali government restore peace and stability.

In an interview, Mr Mufuzi advised Zambians against taking peace for granted in the wake of what was happening in Somalia.

He said there was need for every Zambian to uphold peace by not allowing themselves to be sacrificed for selfish motives.

Mr Mufuzi said Zambians should avoid conflicts at all costs so that the country could continue to be a beacon of peace in Africa.

He advised Zambians especially politicians to refrain from engaging in any activities that would compromise peace and tranquility.

“We call upon our fellow Zambians back home not to take peace for granted that our country has enjoyed since independence but value and cherish it,

“As you go back home, please take this message to our people in Zambia that let them value the peace they are enjoying, and when I say the people of Zambia, I mean from the top most (leaders) to the bottom (supporters),” Mr Mufuzi said.

He implored Zambians to draw lessons from what was happening in Somalia where peace was elusive by acting responsibly.

"It is not easy to be in a country that is at war and called a failed state. It is hectic in here. So let all the stakeholders that are involved in making peace happen do their part. Even us as police, we should do our part to ensure peace is maintained," Mr Mufuzi emphasised.

And Mr Mufuzi has implored the Zambia police not to take the issue of the infamous Tokota Boys lightly saying it was through such activities that produced deadliest rebel groups.